The Ruddell Hill Volunteer Fire Department (RHVFD) was called to a house fire around 2 a.m. this morning at 940 Bethesda Rd. in the Ruddell Hill Community of Independence County.
RHVFD Fire Chief Shawn Hastings told White River Now’s Gary Bridgman that he and ten other men responded to the call, finding the fire had consumed most of the house upon their arrival. The department brought the blaze under control, keeping it from spreading, noted the chief.
Hastings said the residence was a rental property of Jerry Waugh. The chief said a neighbor thought the woman who lived at the house was at home. He said firemen carefully checked the remains of the house, searching for the woman, to no avail. They later discovered that the woman had spent the night at a friend’s house in Desha.
The chief said the structure was a total loss. The department was on the scene until around 9 a.m. this morning.
Get up-to-date local news and weather with Gary B. each weekday morning by listening to Ozark Newsline on Arkansas 103.3, 93 KZLE, and other W.R.D. Entertainment radio stations. If you have a news tip or event to promote, email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com.
